Martha Christopher is a mixed media artist and journal maker who discovered mixed media in 2015 after a lifetime of thinking she had no artistic ability whatsoever. She loves creating mixed media and collage spreads in her art journals. She also loves making all types of journals, especially junk journals.
Martha lives with her husband in beautiful North Carolina. She spends most days happily creating and puttering around in her art studio.
What does mixed media art mean to you?
The literal meaning, of course, is using more than one type of media in your artwork. What it means to me personally is that I can express myself, my personality, and my ideas in an artistic way that I’ve never been able to before
How long have you been a mixed media artist?
I started doing mixed media in 2015 by chance. I went to a gel printing class with a friend, knowing nothing at all about gel printing, and was immediately hooked. There was no looking back after that!
How has art impacted or enhanced your life?
Before doing mixed media I always enjoyed visiting art galleries, and in my younger years studying art history. Since I discovered mixed media I’ve found something I’m truly passionate about. I believe that I have a greater understanding and a deeper appreciation for art that I see.
In addition I have met many wonderful friends through mixed media. I have found that there is an immediate connection with my mixed media friends.
Tell us about your creative process.
My creative process is to just start doing something! Sometimes I have an idea in mind and sometimes I don’t. But either way I just keep trying to move forward. If I’m working in my art journal, I start by gluing papers to my background. Then I pick out some paint colors, stencils, etc., and usually the ideas start flowing.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by a paint color, a fabric that I discover, old book covers that I can use to make a journal. It could be a scrap of paper that I’ve haphazardly put extra paint on. Inspiration is everywhere in nature – the colors and patterns, a sunrise or sunset, flowers in a garden. Very often I’m inspired by things I see on YouTube and Instagram.
What do you do when faced with a creative block or rut?
One of my favorite things to do when I am uninspired is to make master boards. Then I often cover them with paints, inks, stenciling, scribbling, mark making, etc. I also like to do some gel printing and those papers inspire me to use them in collage.
What are a few of the mixed media art supplies you find yourself returning to?
Always paints and very often stencils.
Who are some of your favorite mixed media artists?
There are really too many to mention – so many talented artists out there – and I’m afraid I would leave someone out.
Where would you like to go with your art? What are your goals?
My only art related goals are to keep experimenting, creating and learning.
Aside from art, what makes you giddy in life?
I love reading, traveling and getting together with friends. I also love antiquing and going to estate sales and discovering treasures. Beautiful old books and papers truly make me giddy!
Such a nice interview!
Martha is not only very talented and inspiring, she is very generous and kind too!